Nuapada: Jagadish Chauhan, the man who attempted self-immolation in front of the tehsil office here Thursday, died Friday while undergoing treatment. Meanwhile Nuapada district administration officials said that Nuapada tehsildar Debendra Kumar Rout has been suspended by the Odisha government due to mishandling of the complaints filed by Jagadish Chauhan in a land dispute case. The victim was undergoing treatment at VIMSAR.
The information regarding the suspension of Rout was given Friday by the Information and Public Information department. “Nuapada tehsildar Debendra Kumar Rout, OAS-A (JB) has been placed under suspension after completion of disciplinary proceedings initiated against him. As per letter No. 9942 dated 17.03.203 by the Revenue and Disaster Management department, his headquarters has been shifted to the Revenue Divisional Commissioner’s office at Sambalpur during the period of suspension. He cannot leave the headquarters without permission of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner,” I&PR notification said.
Chauhan was a resident of Kalyanpur village under Jonk-Khariar road police limits. Chauhan had poured petrol and set himself on fire Thursday in front of Nuapada tehsil office over delay in the settlement of a land dispute case and alleged inaction by revenue authorities. He had sustained 80 per cent burn injuries and succumbed during treatment at VIMSAR, Burla in Sambalpur district at night.
Officials said that Chand had been seeking permission for settlement of 3.12 acre land, inherited from his father Atmaram Harijan, under Section 22 of Odisha Land Reforms (OLR) Act, 1960. Since January last year he had been on the matter. He had been directed by sub-collector Tarinisen Nayak to meet Rout for verification of the land.
Chauhan, before he died had alleged that Rout was sitting on the case and not initiating any action. Family members of Chauhan said that he was under severe mental pressure and distress had forced Chauhan to attempt self-immolation.